PM: No need to use Vibhavadi Rangsit Road as passageway for floodwater right now

BANGKOK, 25 October 2011 – Yesterday, the Prime Minister, together with the Bangkok Governor and the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, went to inspect the water situation at Phra Khanong water pumping station, during which she reassured Vibhavadi Rangsit Road would not be used as passageway for water in order to relieve the estimated flood crisis.

PM Yingluck Shinawatra, Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paripatra and Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha went to the Phra khanong water pumping station which is releasing 155 cubic meters of water per second into Lat Phrao, Prawet, Saen Saep, and Phra Khanong canals, from which water runs into the Chao Phraya River. So far all of the sluice gates of Bangkok are fully opened. Moreover, the BMA has a plan to construct 3 giant tunnels which will release up to 245 cubic meters of water per second.

Bangkok Governor said he will do his best in protecting Bangkok from flooding without carelessness; however, the Flood Relief Operations Center (FROC) has to assist in eliminating the weak points and taking care of the evacuation locations. Still, he believed that all the 50 districts in Bangkok will not be flooded at the same time. According to the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, the army has successfully reinforced about 90% of the royally initiated flood barriers, as well as supported the BMA and the government in protecting Bangkok’s inner city with its ultimate attempt. In this visit, the Prime Minister ordered the BMA to monitor the strength of the 77 km long embankment in Nonthaburi.

Expressing the readiness to work with the BMA and the Royal Thai Army, the Prime Minister assured that there is no need to utilize Vibhavadi Rangsit Road as a passage for floodwater to be released through Din Daeng district into the Chao Phraya River.

During the visit, the Prime Minister also greeted the team of opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva which was making field inspection of the flood situation.